I. watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come!"
2. I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
3. When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!"
4. Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.
5. When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.
6. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!"
7. When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!"
8. I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
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Reflection |
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The Beginning of a New Beginning (6:1)
In the previous chapter, we read about how Jesus is the only one worthy to be praised, and how all creatures in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea worship Him. But many people tend to forget or do not even realize that His worthiness in this context is the reason why He unleashes God’s judgment upon the world. This is significant because the seal judgments mark the beginning of the creation of the new heaven and the new earth (21:1–22:5). Without the breaking of the seals and the consequent judgments, there can be no final justice and final glory. Jesus alone is worthy to break the seals and begin the process toward final judgment, and ultimately, the creation of the new heaven and the new earth.
Darkness before a New Beginning (6:2–8)
It is easy to become disheartened and discouraged by the chaos, bloodshed, and destruction that pervades these verses, but there are two important things to note here. First, God is allowing all of this to happen, and second, these events are all fulfillments of prophecies. Through this, we can see God’s ultimate purpose: the recreation of the world. These final acts of judgment will bring a refining process upon the earth. This is all part of God’s plan to redeem this earth and restore it as He originally intended it to be. It will become very dark in those days, but then the final light of judgment will shine forth and drive all evil away forever. This is the hope that we have in Christ and His return.
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Application |
- Sin not only affects humanity, but all of creation as well. When Jesus returns, therefore, He will restore and recreate the entire world. Live out your faith with this knowledge that Jesus is King over all things.
- There will always be trials and difficulties in this world. However, God is restoring and recreating the world anew, and through faith in Jesus, we will be a part of that new world.
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A Letter to
God |
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Father, humanity disobeyed You and ruined Your original intentions, but in Your love, You sent Jesus to die on the cross and begin the process of restoration and recreation. May I fix my eyes not on this passing world, but on the world to come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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